With the warm, fresh air, the slight breeze from the ocean, and just the overall relaxing nature of the atmosphere, I can almost taste a Piña colada now just thinking about it.

It is the perfect relaxing getaway, a quick way to get a dark tan, and the perfect place to rock some of the hottest summer looks.

However, the beach has its own dress code. Most likely, you won’t find many people rocking Nordstrom’s Topshop Clear Mom Jeans that sent the internet into a frenzy earlier this year.

You will find beach-goers rocking more laid back and light outfits.

So, whether you are hanging out in the sand or just headed out for a casual dinner by the beach, here are 10 tips for rocking your beach look this summer:

1. You can’t go wrong with the floppy hat
From the immense amount of shade provided to the fact that you basically don’t have to do your hair if you wear it all day…
Just throw in the added bonus that it is absolutely adorable and you just can’t pass up throwing a staple floppy hat into your beach look this summer.
Perfect for on the beach soaking up the sun, off the beach enjoying some fish and chips, or even later on when it is Derby time – you are sure to be rocking this staple beach look even once summer is over.

2. Make your favorite kimono your new swimsuit cover-up
When you’re going to the beach, it is no secret you are looking for something light and airy, but also something that shows off a little skin since you spent all year working on your summer body.
Remember that kimono you bought last spring to wear with skinny’s and a cute tank? Time to pull it back out because it doubles as a simple and fashionable bikini cover-up.

3. The iconic white dress
Everyone girl who has been to the beach for years in a row probably has a family – or individual – picture in a white dress.
A solid white dress is a staple beach look every year. Grab one now and save it for next year, too! It is the outfit that just keeps giving as you use it year and year again.

4. Shop for the crop top
Crop tops are a trendy way to beat the summer heat. Try pairing it with your favorite floral maxi skirt for a cool and fashionable formal look.
These make a great pair for a night out!

5. Printed palazzo pants
The loose-fitting style makes them super comfy, while still being super fashionable.
These are great for when you just need to slip something on super quick but still want to look like a million bucks.

6. Graphic tees
Graphic tees are probably not the first thing that come to mind when you think “summer beach look,” but…
The quirky labels found on them can be beach-related. Find a graphic tee that expresses how feel about the beach so you can sport the beach even when you can’t be there.

7. Big, button up
Like the kimono, a button up that is just a size too big can make the great bikini cover-up.
It is light and can be buttoned all the way up to protect your upper body from sun rays or left unbuttoned to show off your swimsuit while still shading your shoulders.

8. Jean shorts
Jean shorts are just a summer staple in general. But, they are even better for your summer beach look!
Throw a pair of jean shorts over your swimsuit and leave them unbuttoned for a casual, trendy beach look.

10. Large handbag
Once you have your outfit just right, it’s time to focus on getting your towel and shades to the beach.
Grab a large handbag to double as a purse and a beach bag. Large handbags without any dividers in the middle are the best so that you can just throw everything in it without organizing it.

Based in Miami, but inspired by Haitian culture, Poze brand is a Haitian street wear brand for both men and women. The word “Poze” meaning “chill” or “relaxed” in Creole, is heard in most conversations between Haitians. The brand, founded in 2014 by Jeff Appolon, prides itself in teaching the world about Haitians, one word, one picture, and one story at a time. So far 3 collections have been released and the 4th one is forthcoming.

Check out our interview with Mr. “Poze” himself, where he discusses his latest collection.

Tell me about your new collection and what was the inspiration behind it.• This collection follows up on the previous one which pushes the boundaries further. I want this collection to be engaging to the mind and also laid back. Half of the pieces in the 4th collection visit our rich history and capture moments of glory. As a country, we’ve taken so many L’s in the past that we forget that we were once great.

How does the collection reflect your Haitian background?• One of the shirt is inspired by the current success of our Haitian national soccer team. I mean, we haven’t won any world cup but we are doing better now. The shirt I’m referring to shows the picture of Haitian soccer Legend Manno Sanon as he scored the famous goal against Italian goalkeeper Dino Zoff during the 1974 world cup match Vs Italy. That goal ended Dino Zoff’s long standing 1142 minutes without getting scored on. After I read about it, I thought that it was important to celebrate that moment and glorify him.

• Another shirt I have is a drawing of the statue of Marie Louise Coidavid, who was Henry Christophe’s wife. I visited the Palais Sans Soucis a couple of years ago and I remember seeing the statue. I remember how proud it made me feel. Somehow I feel that it’s the same feeling that a diaspora gets when they first visit Haiti. Even though only the ruins are left, it shows greatness once existed in our country. I feel like back then, our ancestors were a bit more courageous than us because they did more with less.

When and where can one purchase the new collection? Will it be available in stores in Haiti?• Yes it will be available in Haiti. I had the perfect store to sell, but unfortunately with the economic instability, the store had to close down. I am looking at some other places to carry it in PV. More information will be provided soon. Everything should be available beginning of June.

How does the brand Poze reflect your personal style?• I tend to be more on the conservative side, so my designs will be a bit minimalist. I don’t really like loud colors and too much going on in a t-shirt. I usually go for neutral designs that you can wear when you’re out. But every now and then, I’ll collaborate with someone who may have a different taste than me. I try to have the designs balanced. I’ll take suggestions from my friends and see what they prefer. After all Poze is not my personal brand, it’s the people’s brand.

Where do you draw inspiration for your designs?• I try to keep up with the current trends and add a bit of Haitian mix to it. I’ll be on fashion blogs all day and Instagram when I have some free time. If I see something that catches my eye at the mall, I put a note on my phone. Basically my whole environment.

Is there someone from the fashion world that inspires you?• I’m a big Kanye West fan. A lot of times I like his style but other times I feel like he pushes the boundaries but then again that is what fashion is all about. I like his style better when he’s rocking the tall tees, ripped fitted denims and yeezys. I also like Big Sean’s style, he’s always on point.

What is your personal favorite piece of the 4th collection?• I really like the Manno Sanon t-shirt and the hat with the Poze hands. I feel like I can see those items on the shelf of an Urban Outfitters store. I like that they are Haiti related but with a touch of pop culture.

What can we expect from Poze in the near future?• I really want to branch out to different things. I wanna go deeper into female and kids clothing but I’m a bit limited as far as man power. I want the brand to evolve and get better with time. My goal is to keep the brand alive so that one day I see it in a website like Complex, The Source or Highsnobiety as a street wear brand to watch out for.

“Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak” – Rachel Zoe

Trends come and go but having your own style is what makes you stand out. We spotted a few different looks over the weekend and we love how these fashionistas and fashionistos are embracing their own style. Check them out:

Look #1: The Brooklyn City Slicker
Her Misfit clutch in hand, pink shoes and funky jumpsuit, this Fashionista is ready to make an impression.

Look #2: The Upper East SiderWith just a simple white shirt and black shorts, this fashionista is evoking a city chic look for a night out on the town.

We have all been in, let’s say, dire beauty emergencies and unable to fix them. Here are a couple of beauty shortcuts you could easily apply to your everyday life, and hopefully make slightly easier (or more beautiful) without spending a million bucks.

Let’s start off with one the most annoying beauty problems to plague women since the invention of makeup. How do you keep your lipstick on for so long without it smudging? The secret is to use some tissue with a little translucent powder on it to blot your lipstick after applying it. Not only will it keep lasting longer, it will give a nice matte finish. Lucky for you, matte lips are in!

Speaking of powder, did you know you could use baby powder to make your eyelashes thicker and longer? After applying a first mascara coat, use a cotton swab or a clean mascara brush to apply a little baby powder on your lashes, and then apply your second coat of mascara. And voilà! Vavavoom lashes for you!

You can also use baby powder as a deodorant substitution (only in case you run out at home) or as dry shampoo substitution since baby powder takes out the greasiness from your hair. This is a useful trick for when you’re in a hurry and do not have time to jump in the shower to wash your hair!

Have thin lips and want them to look fuller and more luscious? The trick is to know how to apply lip liner and to properly create “cupid’s bow shape”. To do so, mark your lips with an X at the center of your top lip, line the corners, and then join them together. Fill them in before applying your lipstick.

Remember when glitter polish was the rave? You probably remember how hard it is to get that nail polish off. Here’s a weird but very effective way to ease your glittery life, right before applying the glitter polish coat, put a little liquid Elmers glue. It sounds completely whack, but it dries on clear and with the glitter on top, no one will be the wiser. Plus it’s really fun (and safe) to peel glue off your nails.

This summer, we decided to be a little different in picking our “IT” person. We tend to look at women when they walk in a room, and we’re all about celebrating female form. This time however, we met a unique Haitian we felt earned this spot. With his Basquiat-esque looks, and Pharell swag meet Carl Eric Jabouin… Summer’s IT guy!

He is a man of few words, armed with a sharp tongue, and quirky opinions. Carl Eric is a breath of fresh air indeed.

When did you become a fan of fashion?

I’ve always been a fan of fashion, I just never knew it. When I was younger I even used to dress my dad every morning telling what I liked and what didn’t.

What draws you to fashion?

I just love looking good. It gives me confidence.

What is your favorite item of clothing?

I’m a shoe guy.

Do you follow trends or do you prefer to have a timeless style?

I like to think I have my own style doesn’t matter if it’s the trend or not. If I like it, I will wear it no matter what people think about it.

Who is your favorite designer?

I don’t have one. Like I said, I don’t follow trends.

Who is your biggest fashion influence?

I look up to Pharrell Williams and Will-I-Am. Clean cuts, bold colors and effortless.

What is your favorite girl’s clothing item?

I can’t say I have a favorite women’s apparel favorite. But I do love a girl who embraces different styles and changes her look up often. I like women with bold fuchsia hair, it’s sexy and shows confidence.

How do you decide what to wear?

On the spot. It’s easier that way.

Meeting this humble young man with a flare for fashion was a pleasure. His style reflects his unapologetic uniqueness. A quiet and cool confidence is always in. Whether roaming the streets of Montreal or spotted in Haiti, look out for this one!